Marsh commented: "The strong, determined and indomitable women have always defined Coronation Street right from the very first episode to the present day, and Elsie Tanner will go down in history as one of the most gossiped-about women in Weatherfield.

"She's left some rather big stiletto shoes to fill, but to have the opportunity to represent such an iconic character of yesteryear on a stage of this scale is an absolute honour."

Street of Dreams' composer Trisha Ward added: "I am thrilled Kym is joining the world premiere tour of Coronation Street: Street of Dreams to play Elsie Tanner. Elsie was at the very heart of Tony Warren's Coronation Street and a character that stayed with me through the process of writing a major musical around the world's most successful TV programme.

"Kym has a wonderful voice for Elsie's torch-song, 'I Know How It Feels', and embodies the same beauty and dynamic passion that embodied this most iconic of Tony's female characters."

West End star Jodie Prenger will also take to the stage alongside Marsh, playing the 1980s version of Elsie for the world premiere in Manchester.

Prenger said: "The entire production is just gorgeous, with infectious songs which stick in your head! The music is fabulous, the orchestration is phenomenal and the cast are truly amazing. To be asked to play such an amazing part in something that people will be telling their grandchildren about in years to come is just a dream."

As previously announced, Paul O'Grady will feature as the star of Street of Dreams, guiding the audience through the most memorable storylines in Coronation Street's history and encountering well-loved characters old and new.